Remedial Cancer Massage

Gittalife has added Remedial Cancer Massage to the already existing list of massage therapy options after the successful treatment of several cancer patients. These clients had been undergoing chemotherapy or had several lymph nodes or tumours removed. Consequently they were experiencing side effects from these treatments.

Background

Over the past few years an increasing amount of cancer patients have contacted Gittalife regarding Remedial Cancer Massage. They are willing to try an alternative therapy option, because they hope for relief of symptoms related to clinical treatments for cancer. It seems like many patients in Perth suffer from side effects. Especially relevant are symptoms like fluid retention, problems with the digestive system, general fatigue and pain. This is because their immune system is weak and compromised.

Gittalife has developed a unique mixed therapy approach for the treatment of cancer patients. In addition to the already existing range of therapies, Remedial Cancer Massage offers a new treatment option in Perth. This is the result of some unexpected profound success with a young cancer client. It is also due to the loss of a very good friend to leukaemia. Hence GittaLife is now dedicating a major amount of time to people in Perth, who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Remedial Massage Therapy Techniques & Cancer

Absolute Contraindications

Remedial Cancer Massage has no absolute contraindications. Hence, restrictions can be to certain areas of the body or to the intensity of the pressure used by the therapist.

Requirements BEFORE Starting Treatment

Please provide a written consent from your specialist or treating physician stating possible relative contraindications and/or restrictions to the treatment. One of the main risks with any massage combined with other forms of cancer treatment is the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Therefore please make sure that you are aware of precautions that have to be taken - this includes talking to your treating physician and your massage therapist about it.

The initial session will make you very tired as your body is not used to this form of treatment yet. Having a designated driver is advisable. GittaLife's premises also provide a separate small waiting room with TV and Foxtel to relax and recover after your session.

Indications for Remedial Cancer Massage

Pain

Anxiety

Nausea

Fatigue

Depression

Fluid retention

Impaired bowl function

Contraindications for Remedial Cancer Massage

Restrictions will have to be determined by the treating physician

Lymphedema

Lymphoedema is a condition that exists because of buildup of lymph fluid. Consequently this leads to swelling of certain areas in the body. It is very common to happen in one or two limb extremities.

The cause is insufficient drainage in lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, due to:

A genetic predisposition

The surgical removal of lymph nodes

Hormone imbalances

Side effects of certain medications

Chemotherapy treatment

Traumatic damage to the lymph system

A damaged lymphatic system does not repair itself, but the patient can manage the lymphedema. The treatment aims to improve the drainage of fluid and to reduce swelling, pain and discomfort.

Home Visits

For cancer patients who are not able to travel because they are very unwell, home visits are possible. It is most noteworthy that this will incur a fee for travel time in addition to your session fees.

If you are not sure if massage will be beneficial in your specific case, please feel free to contact GittaLife either by phone or e-mail.

Testimonials

This is an e-mail GittaLife received from Mitch's mum after her son had passed away from a very rare form of stomach cancer. She kindly gave permission to publish it:

"Dear Gitta

I wanted to write to thank you for the help and care you gave my son Mitchell in the last weeks of his life. He found great relief from his visits to you. Your treatment assisted him in keeping his digestion functional right to the end which meant a great deal to a young man of 27. Prior to seeing you we had been told that his bowel had been compromised due to the effects of the cancer. He felt that your treatment gave him a few extra weeks where he was able to continue to enjoy his life as well as his food. He even took us to Rockpool for dinner one evening. We will be forever grateful for your kindness and assistance.

Susan."

Further Information

Bookings

The clinic is open 8am to 8pm – 7 days a week. Due to the limited number of sessions available per day, advanced bookings are recommended. Please read our Booking Terms, prior to making a booking or contact us if you have any questions.

Payment & Health Fund Rebates

As a member of ATMS , GittaLife is registered for private health fund rebates. Payments can be made by EFTPOS (VISA or Mastercard), bank transfer and cash. To secure a booking, payment is required in advance.